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If you’ve lived in Carthage for more than a week, you know the drill. One minute you’re walking through Central Park enjoying a crisp afternoon, and the next, you’re digging through the hall closet for that heavy parka because an Arctic front decided to pay Jasper County an uninvited visit.
Honestly, the weather forecast Carthage Missouri is looking like a rollercoaster right now.
We’ve had a bizarre mix of temperatures lately. One day it's 45°F and sunny, then the mercury bottoms out. This Saturday, January 17, is a perfect example. We’re sitting at 30°F right now, but that doesn't tell the whole story. With a 13 mph wind coming out of the west, it actually feels like 19°F.
Bundle up. Seriously.
What’s Happening Right Now in Carthage?
Today is staying pretty cold. The high is only hitting 31°F, and by tonight, we’re looking at a low of 11°F. That’s the kind of cold that makes your car struggle to start in the morning.
The wind is the real story today. It's sustained at 20 mph from the west, so that "real feel" is going to stay in the teens or lower all day. We’ve got a 10% chance of some light snow flurries during the day, but nothing that’s going to require a shovel—yet.
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The Week Ahead: A Wild Swing
If you can survive the deep freeze tonight, tomorrow (Sunday, Jan 18) actually looks halfway decent. We’re jumping up to a high of 42°F. It’ll be partly sunny, though still a bit breezy with southwest winds at 17 mph.
But don't get too comfortable.
Monday, January 19, takes another dive. We’re looking at a cloudy day with a high of only 26°F. It’s that classic Missouri "pendulum" weather.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): Sunny and much better. High of 47°F.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): Mostly sunny, matching Tuesday's high of 47°F.
- Thursday (Jan 22): Partly sunny, 45°F.
- Friday (Jan 23): We might actually hit the 50s. High of 51°F with some clouds.
Why Does Carthage Weather Change So Fast?
It’s basically geography. We sit in a spot where dry, cold air from the Canadian plains can rush south without any mountains to stop it. At the same time, we get that warm, moist air creeping up from the Gulf of Mexico. When those two personalities meet over the Ozarks, things get interesting.
According to the Missouri Climate Center, Jasper County is notorious for these "transitional" shifts. It’s why we can have a t-shirt day followed by a snowstorm in the same 48-hour window.
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Local experts often point to the "Alberta Clipper" systems this time of year—fast-moving low-pressure zones that sweep in, drop some light snow or a blast of cold air, and then vanish just as quickly.
The Big Snow Potential Next Weekend?
Looking further out into the weather forecast Carthage Missouri, you might want to keep an eye on next Saturday, January 24.
The data shows a 25% chance of actual snow. Not just flurries, but potentially enough to cover the ground. The high will be 41°F, but it’s expected to drop significantly, and we could see snow showers continuing into Sunday, January 25.
Humidity levels are expected to climb to around 67% by then, which usually means more moisture is available for precipitation.
Survival Tips for the Next Few Days
Since we’re dealing with wind chills in the single digits tonight, here’s what you actually need to do.
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First, check your tire pressure. These 30-degree swings cause the air in your tires to contract, and that annoying "low pressure" light will definitely pop up.
Second, if you’ve got outdoor pets, bring them in. 11°F is no joke, especially with a 20 mph wind.
Lastly, watch out for "black ice" on Monday morning. Since we have a slight chance of flurries today and then a warm-up tomorrow followed by another freeze Monday, anything that melts on Sunday will turn into a skating rink by the Monday morning commute.
Stay warm, Carthage. It’s going to be a weird one.
Your Action Plan:
- Check your antifreeze levels today while it's still light out.
- Drip your faucets tonight to prevent pipe bursts during the 11°F low.
- Plan your outdoor chores for Tuesday or Wednesday when we finally hit that 47°F sweet spot.